Articles
Affordable Do-It-Yourself Home Surveillance
Entry level IP cameras are dropping in price and are easier to install than you think. Unlike webcams, IP cameras are standalone devices the don’t need a continuously running computer to allow them to operate. Plus, you can access images from your IP camera anywhere, including mobile phones.
Nik Rawlinson of CNET writes “How to set up a cheap home security system using Dynamic DNS” and outlines, in great detail, the steps you’ll need to follow:
- Site your IP camera
- Sign up to free Dynamic DNS forwarding
- Set up your router
That’s all you need to start monitoring your cats from work.
Home IP Camera Suggestions
Here’s a few affordable indoor IP cameras that are great for home, office, or vacation home use. Wired and wireless options are available on some models and these IP cameras can be controlled remotely, from a standard web browser wherever you are:
ACTi ACM-4201 ($266.00): Supports two-way audio, hardware motion detection, megapixel imaging, and low light capability in a compact design.
Panasonic BL-C1A ($99.95): Plug and Play Installation, built-In Web Server/IP address, 10x digital zoom, integrated Motion Sensor with E-mail alert, and 4-lux Night View mode.
Axis M1011-W ($179.00): Ideal for securing locations such as small businesses, boutiques, restaurants, hotels or residences. These intuitive and dependable cameras offer best-in-class image quality and professional monitoring capabilities.
Via CNET UK
Mobotix Installed as World’s Highest Webcam to View Mt. Everest
Mobotix’s Outdoor IP Cameras are made from a fiberglass-reinforced plastic that’s normally used to manufacture hard-wearing exterior car components.
So it’s no surprise that a solar powered Mobotix M12 camera is now the world’s highest webcam at 18,514 feet (5,643 meters) on the Kala Patthar mountain.
Mobotix Outdoor IP Cameras are deployed in arctic and desert extremes with an operating temperature range of -22° F (-30° C) to over 140° F (60° C). And with a low power consumption, temperatures inside a Mobotix camera remain temperate resulting in a longer life span.
Perched on the Kala Patthar mountain to provide high definition, megapixel views of Mount Everest, the world’s highest Mobotix IP camera is being used with the world’s highest weather station on Mount Everest as part of the Everest Share 2011 research project with hopes that the images taken will provide a window into climate change.
You can view the Everest Share images here and a stunning 360 degree panorama of Mount Everest here.
If you’re wondering what would happen to the camera if there’s an avalanche or a boulder falls on it, ABP Technology shows us that Mobotix IP cameras have a knack for surviving vandalism, lightning strikes, and missle attacks.
Via Gizmag
How to Waterproof a Dome IP Camera Installation
ACTi Dome IP Cameras have IP66 rated waterproof casings but, as ACTi points out, the cameras are only as waterproof as your installation.
Translation: ACTi dome IP cameras can only guarante weather imperviousness if both the camera and Ethernet cable are properly sealed off.
How to achieve watertight installation:
- Employ waterproof junction box.
- Use waterproof flex conduit to protect Ethernet cabling.
- Mount flex conduit to camera using conduit gland / conduit fitting (not included with camera, sold separately).
ACTi dome IP cameras have a 3/4″ diameter side opening which you’ll need to know when purchasing the conduit gland/fitting. The diameter of the conduit hose you want to use is up to you but it should obviously be wide enough to accomodate the head of the Ethernet cable.
Installation Guide
For more information on waterproofing your dome IP camera installation check out this article from ACTi, “Waterproof Installation of Dome Cameras,” that includes many helpful pictures and an explanation of how to deal with humidity during an install.